Acts

The book of Acts contains the earliest Christian apologies, defenses made by Stephen, Peter, and Paul before both Jewish and gentile authorities.  Read one of more of these defenses an comment on the way in which the speaker defends himself against charges brought against him and on the way he tries to persuade others to follow the gospel.

The Gospel of John

John's gospel is in part an extended meditation on belief and unbelief.  Skim through the Gospel of John, reading more closely the first and last chapters.  Cite here an example John uses to explain why some believe and some don't.

The Gospel of Luke

Please read Luke 1, 16, and 24. 

Of all the gospels, Luke is in many ways the most suited for an attempt to win over th hearts and minds of educated gentiles.  Cite an idea from Luke 1, 16, and 24 that might have been useful to later apologists in their attempts to defend Christian faith.

The Sermon on the Mount

Please read Matthew 5-7. Matthew's gospel shows well why Christians often ended up needing to defend themselves.  Much ow what's here challenges "religio" of both the Jewish and gentile types.  But there is also much here that might have tied nicely to some of the ideas of the philosophers.  Cite examples of both challenges to traditional "religio" and philosophically attractive ideas from the Sermon on the Mount.

Why Not?

What are some of the reasons people reject Christianity?  Again, don't limit yourself to "legitimate" intellectual reasons.  Take into account emotional/social considerations as well.

Why? (June 30 Option A)

While rivaled by Islam and by secularism, Christianity is the world's most widespread religious belief, with as many as half the world's people identifying themselves as Christians.  Why do you think this is?  What are some of the reasons people choose Christianity over other beliefs?

Do not limit your answer here to "legitimate" intellectual reasons.  YOu can include emotional/social reasons too, or anything else you think might explain the widespread influence of Christian belief.

Welcome!

Please tell us a bit about yourself.  What are some of your interests?  What kinds of things do you enjoy?  What makes you mad?  Please also indicate why you are taking this particular course and what you hope to get out of it.